Getting the right browser set-up and running is critical to your success with Blackboard.  Mozilla Firefox is the browser of choice, as it is fully certified by Blackboard and presents few issues for users.  Clark eLearning Tech Support recommends that all users download and install Firefox and use it to access Blackboard, unless your instructor requires you to use Internet Explorer for your class.

Internet Explorer 7 is also fully certified for use with Blackboard.  Internet Explorer 8 is not fully certified, but users can click the “Compatibility View” button to improve the situation.  By placing the IE 8 browser in compatibility mode you will force the browser to behave as an IE 7 version while working in Blackboard.  This is important so you can view all content, such as assignments, discussion board text boxes, etc.

Users should also be aware that two other popular browsers, Safari and Chrome, are not fully certified with our current version of Blackboard.  Once again, Firefox for Windows or Mac should be the browser of choice.

If you’re using AOL or NetZero as your ISP, you’ll find that Blackboard does not support their web browsers.  When trying to view various pages or content, you may get error messages such as “Navigation Cancelled” or “Page Not Found,” due to this incompatibility.  Quest also has a specialized version of Internet Explorer which can cause certain items or tables to not display.  To remedy the situation, you’ll need to download and install Firefox (for PC or Mac).  After you’ve installed the new browser, you’ll need to connect to your ISP using the AOL or NetZero browser as you normally would, then minimize that browser and open Firefox to access Blackboard and your courses.